A book on rats translated into Arabic

Abu Dhabi, Oct 28 (IANS/WAM) Jonathan Burt’s book “Rat” has been translated into Arabic that eloquently describes how the species spread across the world following the commercial routes created by man since the ancient times.

The translation project was initiated by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH).

The book describes the rat as the “shadow of the human”, since it is thought to inhabit every part of the world.

The rat’s impact on humans has been enormous as it has caused plague and other diseases. It is also held responsible for destruction of agricultural produce.

However, rats also had some positive impact on the society as experts use them as specimens for various experiments.

The book gives a fascinating account of the rat throughout history and examines the myths and cultural impact of this creature.

It traces the contradictory and volatile relationship that exists between humans and rats, from the first archaeological finds to the genetically engineered rats of the present day.

Burt, a freelance writer, studied fossils at the University of Cambridge 1977-1980. He is the author of “Animals in Film”. The book is translated into Arabic by Maan Abu Hussen.

–IANS/WAM